Orestes Vilató is a remarkable percussionist. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest figures in the history of the timbales. He was born May 4, 1944 in Camagüey, Cuba, and moved to New York as a young boy in the 1950s. He gradually refined his natural skills as a musician with a special gift for rhythm.
While living in New York, Orestes was intimately involved with many significant groups, including Belisario López Orchestra, José Fajardo Orchestra, Ray Barretto Orchestra (8 years), Fania All Stars (founding member), Típica 73 (founding member), Los Kimbos (founder-director), Johnny Pacheco, and Cheo Feliciano.
He has recorded with Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Herbie Hancock, Wynton and Bradford Marsalis, Paco de Lucía, Lionel Hampton, Linda Ronstadt, Israel López, and Cachao. For 9 years (1980-89) Orestes worked with the Carlos Santana band as timbalero and percussionist, participating in several world tours and recording many albums.
Orestes released “Ritmo y Candela” with Patato and Changuito.
Orestes has recorded several movie sound tracks as well including: “Our Latin Thing” (Fania All-Stars), “The Bird Cage,” “Mambo Kings,””Carlito’s Way,””Steal Big, Steal Little,” and “Scalper.”
Discography:
Hoy y Mañana (Cotique, 1978)
Aguacero No Me Moja (Cotique, 1979)
Ritmo y Candela (Tonga, 1995)
It’s About Time (Rafca Records, 2009)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
